The effect of application-based prevention program on performance and injury in handball players: Randomized comparative study

The aim of the study is to examine the effects of a smartphone application-based prevention program on balance, strength, agility, explosive power and injuries in elite level handball players and to compare the effects of the smartphone application with the prevention program implemented by the coach. The second purpose of the study is to determine the frequency of athlete injuries during the period when the prevention program is implemented. 23 athletes of a handball team playing in the Super League participated in the study. Athletes were divided into two intervention groups: Group AKT (n=12) and Group ANT (n=11). Athletes in Group AKT applied the exercises in the prevention program with a smartphone application, while athletes in Group ANT applied the exercises in the prevention program by the team coach. The prevention program was implemented in the warm-up period of at least five training sessions per week for 12 weeks. In the study, before and after the intervention, balance (double leg static and dynamic and right-left dynamic balance tests), strength (upper extremity internal and external rotation and lower extremity flexion and extension isokinetic strength test), explosive strength (vertical jump) and agility (30 meter sprint test) was evaluated. In addition, an injury diary was kept for 12 weeks. After the training, no difference in muscle strength was detected in Group AKT (p>0.05). In Group ANT, an increase in right knee flexion (180 ̊/sec) and extension (60 ̊/sec) muscle strength (p<0.05) and a decrease in right arm external rotation (90 ̊/sec) strength were observed after the intervention (p <0.05). When the groups were compared in terms of strength after training, no difference was detected (p>0.05). A significant improvement was observed in vertical jump distances and dynamic balance right-left perimeter distance values after training in both groups (p<0.05). However, there was no difference between the groups (p>0.05). While the 30-meter sprint test time in Group 1 decreased after training (p<0.05), no difference was determined when the groups were compared (p>0.05). In Group AKT, an athlete suffered a non-contact ACL injury. However, no major lower extremity injuries were observed in Group ANT. No major upper extremity injuries occurred in athletes in either group. At the end of the study, it was determined that the prevention program implemented via a smartphone application and accompanied by a coach improved dynamic balance and explosive power at a similar level in elite level female handball players.